Skyrim Patch 1.5 Adds Kill Cameras, Fixes Smithing

Bethesda announced details on Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's next major patch today. Update 1.5, now available in beta form through Steam, will make your killing blows a bit more satisfying.

The patch adds "killcam" views for magic and ranged attacks. Melee-oriented characters will have a few new kill moves to look forward to as well. The extra flashiness doesn't fix my issues with the combat but at least it'll distract me from them.

One other big change: your smithing skill increases based on the value of the items you make. Bethesda didn't provide any additional details on this but I assume that it means you can't make a dozens of iron daggers to max out your skill. Good thing I did that back in November!

If you decide to download the beta version of 1.5 through Steam, make sure you back up your saves. Alternately, you can make fresh save files. Your old saves will work with the current version of the game if and when you decided to opt out of the beta.

Bethesda is also planning to release the update for Xbox 360 and PS3. No date was provided. They say it's coming "soon," though.

The trailer and full patch notes are below.

NEW FEATURES

New cinematic kill cameras for projectile weapons and spells

New kill moves and animations for melee weapons

Shadows on grass available (PC)

Smithing skill increases now factor in the created item’s value

Improved visual transition when going underwater

Improved distance LOD transition for snowy landscapes

BUG FIXES

General crash fixes and memory optimizations

Fixed issue with Deflect Arrows perk not calculating properly

In “A Cornered Rat,” the death of certain NPCs no longer blocks progression

Fixed issue where Farkas would not give Companion’s quests properly

Fixed crash when loading saves that rely on data that is no longer being loaded

Followers sneak properly when player is sneaking

Fixed issue with weapon racks not working properly in Proudspire Manor

Arrows and other projectiles that were stuck in objects in the world now clean up properly